Falls Prevention

According to the University Hospitals of Leicester, 24,000 over-65s in the UK fall over at home every year because of poorly fitting footwear. The majority of these falls are caused by wearing 'sloppy' slippers - poorly structured and ill-fitting slippers. Falls in older people can be catastrophic, statistics reveal. In fact, falls are the number one cause of injury and injury-related deaths in people over the age of 65. Accidents can happen so easily, but many falls can be avoided by wearing correctly fitted, supportive footwear.

According to an article on 'Optimizing footwear for older people at risk of falls', researchers found that 'footwear influences balance and the subsequent risk of slips, trips, and falls by altering somatosensory feedback to the foot and ankle and modifying frictional conditions at the shoe/floor interface. Walking indoors barefoot or in socks and walking indoors or outdoors in high-heel shoes have been shown to increase the risk of falls in older people. Other footwear characteristics such as heel collar height, sole hardness, and tread and heel geometry also influence measures of balance and gait. Because many older people wear suboptimal shoes, maximizing safe shoe use may offer an effective fall prevention strategy. Based on findings of a systematic literature review, older people should wear shoes with low heels and firm slip-resistant soles both inside and outside the home'. J Rehabil Res Dev.

Senior researcher Marian T. Hannan, D.Sc., M.P.H., co-director of the Musculoskeletal Research Center at the Institute for Aging Research notes that "Our findings show that older people going barefoot, wearing only socks, or wearing slippers may be at considerably increased risk of falls in their homes. Therefore, older people should wear shoes at home whenever possible to minimize their risk of falling."

Around the home, people may not wish to wear shoes all day, though shoes can be generally more supportive. Unfortunately, they often prefer the convenience and comfort of slippers, which can have little or no support.

How correct house shoes prevent falls at home.

House shoes from Wider Fit Shoes have been designed to give the best of both worlds - they look like a slipper but have features that make them far more supportive, like a shoe.

Our house shoes have hard wearing, stable outer soles that can be worn inside or outside. The wide, flat sole provides a stable base for walking. The uppers have a stiffener built into the back panel that supports and cradles the heel safely and comfortably. The touch fastening straps allow for easy access, yet can be adjusted simply and quickly to ensure a perfect fit and are available in variable fittings from 2V to 6V for both ladies and men. All of our house shoes have removable insoles for the insertion of orthotics.

They're as soft as a slipper, but as supportive as a shoe. They're so comfortable, you'll forget you have them on. No wonder they are recommended so warmly by foot health professionals.

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If for any reason having received your shoes they are not comfortable or do not meet your needs please talk to our customer services team who can give you further help (ring 01933 311077 Monday - Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm) or return the shoes using our FREE returns service to get an alternative size / fitting.

Disclaimer: This information is of a general nature and should not be taken as a diagnosis. All questions and concerns should be directed to your Doctor, Podiatrist or other health advisor.